January 18, 2003 - page 2

After the tunnels, we headed to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, to see the Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daiism is a religion created in Vietnam that combines elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Catholicism. What a trio! The symbol of their worship is the all-seeing eye, like on an American one-dollar bill. The Temple itself was beautiful. Bright colors adorned a building similar to a Catholic church but decorated like a Chinese temple. The members were all dressed in robes like Buddhist monks. We were allowed to witness their “mass” from a balcony above the main floor. It was a lovely and peaceful moment, something I think we all needed after the Cu Chi Tunnels.

We rolled back into Saigon late this afternoon, in time for a nice swim in the hotel pool. I just love hot weather. Give me 90s any day. After a refreshing shower, several of us headed out to eat at a fun little café facing the Opera House. The day was completed by a nightcap on the roof of the Rex Hotel, rumored to be good luck for travelers. Here’s hoping it works and the end of our journey is as pleasurable as the rest of it has been. Now to bed!